Riverside Adventure Park

A Fresh Urban Escape

Nestled along the White River, Riverside Adventure Park adds 180 acres of recreational space to the historic Riverside Regional Park's already impressive 860 acres. What was once the Riverside Golf Course has been reimagined into something much more dynamic - a place where nature and play come together in harmony.

Set to open in Spring 2025, this park adds to Indianapolis's green spaces where people can breathe, move, and connect with the outdoors.

What You'll Find Here

The park is thoughtfully divided into different areas, each with its own character. In the northeast Nature Zone, you can find a playground, exercise equipment, a spacious pavilion, and restrooms. Keep an eye out for the archery range coming soon to this section.

Need a place for group gatherings? The River Pavilion area offers a large shelter with plenty of parking. Fitness enthusiasts will gravitate toward the Fitness Zone in the southwest near Marian University, while thrill-seekers might want to check out the Soap Box Derby course running along 30th Street.

Natural Beauty All Around

One of the most striking things about this park is how it embraces its natural surroundings. Native prairie plants sway in the breeze, wetlands support local ecosystems, and wilderness trails invite exploration. The nature-themed playground is a standout feature - think timber treehouse structures that look like they grew right out of the landscape.

The trail system stretches over four miles when all connected, weaving through lightly wooded areas where you might spot local wildlife. You can feel quite removed from city life while walking these paths.

Not Your Average Playground

The playground here differs from typical slides and swings. Built on soft turf, its unconventional structures offer play experiences for both young kids and older children.

Beyond play, you'll discover a fitness loop with exercise stations, custom-designed picnic shelters, and thoughtful art installations throughout. The park doesn't exist in isolation either - pedestrian bridges and paths connect it to the broader city trail network, including the White River Trail.

Places to Gather

The park features several covered picnic areas that make ideal spots for family reunions, weekend cookouts, or just enjoying lunch outdoors. These shelters provide welcome shade in what is currently a mostly open landscape.

Note that while the park has planted trees that will eventually create more shaded areas, they're still young. You'll want to bring sun protection if you're visiting during warmer months, as shade can be limited outside the designated shelters.

Thoughtful Design Touches

The park has some interesting design elements. Pavilions echo the shapes of birds, playgrounds mimic treehouses, and pathways follow natural contours, creating a design that complements Indy's natural environment.

The ecological approach runs deep here. You'll see native plants replacing invasive species throughout the park - a quiet but important effort to restore natural balance to the area.

Practical Stuff

When nature calls, you can find a clean restroom building near the playground in the Nature Zone, with another planned for the River Pavilion area soon. These modern facilities make longer visits much more comfortable.

Dog owners, rejoice - the park is dog-friendly. The extensive trails and open spaces provide plenty of room for your four-legged friends to get their exercise (while on leash, of course).

Looking Ahead

Riverside Adventure Park represents a significant investment in Indianapolis's future. The first $13 million phase was funded partly through the Circle City Forward Initiative and the Lilly Endowment.

This is just the beginning - future phases will bring an expanded archery range and a nature center expected to open in 2026. These additions will further establish the park as both a recreational destination and an environmental education resource.

As it evolves, Riverside Adventure Park will offer space for activity, environmental appreciation, and community connection.